Need Motivation? How's this...?

How's this for motivation to get your weight under control? Check out this map from the Center for Disease Control. It shows the fattening of America state by state from 1985 to 2007. Maybe all those aerobics in the 80s really did help. Maybe partying like it was 1999 didn't. Only you know what you were or weren't doing during those years, but WE, America as a country, are in trouble now. In one state, 44% of the children are obese. Not "baby" fat, not cute and chubby, obese. If that doesn't change, this kids can look forward to a life of health problems, medical bills, and missed opportunities. This warning isn't just for the kids, either. The statistics on adult obesity are even worse.

This weekend we celebrate America. Many of us remember 1976, and still find it hard to believe such an amazing country could be barely over 200 years old. We didn't go from being a colony to being the U.S.A. without some serious motivation, determination, and hard work. It's in us, no matter when your family first arrived. My husband and I are each only 2nd generation Americans, but that drive to succeed came with our ancestors who chose to make their way here from the Old Country. You have that drive too. Instead of waiting until New Year's Day, let's grab our bootstraps and decide to take on America's weight problem right now, as we celebrate America's greatness.

Got plans for the 4th of July? Great! Make them active plans. Swim, boat, fish, hike, sightsee, or play - do whatever you like! Write down how much time you and your family spend outdoors every day for a week. The average American spends less than 5% of his life outside. Let's fix that! Just an hour a day and a few extra hours on the weekend can double that, and time in the fresh air is usually active time.
Got plans to cookout for the 4th of July? Fantastic! No where else on Earth is cooking out or BBQ as universally practiced and loved as here in America. Be sure to balance the burgers with lots of healthy, low carb sides. Check out the great recipes (and personal triumphs) in one of my favorite blogs, Swallowed By a Fat Girl, for inspiration. Of course, feel free to serve some of the recipes you've seen here, too!
Got plans to party for the 4th of July? Remember, alcohol is sugar as far as low carb diets are concerned, so drink in moderation (for a number of good reasons) and keep munching healthy snacks with your cool refreshing beverages. Don't forget to drink plenty of pure, old-fashioned water, too, especially while your outside playing in the sun.

Happy 4th of July, Everyone! Happy Birthday, America!